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Album: This is Me Smiling
Artist: This
is Me Smiling
Website: Official Site & MySpace
Sometimes, surprises are worth waiting for. From the opening bars of the opening track, This
is Me Smiling will taunt and tease, pulling the listener into a cunningly
crafted world of soul and energy. There is angst, yes, but also euphoria and
unabashed anger, coupled with just the right amount of self-deprecating emotion
to complete the mix. The first surprise of 2007 is more than just welcome—it is
stunning.
Combining
simple, uncomplicated vocal and musical styling with a strong lyrical base, the
self-titled debut album from Chicago based indie/rock outfit, This is Me Smiling,
offers a veritable 'fruit salad' mix of sounds, soul and self-exploration. From
the track names alone—featuring "A Better way to fall in Love",
"Feeling the Time Pass By" and "Goodbye to Each New Day" to
name a few—the introspective, explorative nature of the album is evident. What
the band have achieved on this debut; however, is an impressive balancing act
between different musical pitfalls. Simplicity is achieved without boredom,
self-discovery without pretention, angst without depression and emotion that
retains musical energy and enthusiasm.
This is Me Smiling is the brainchild of Dan
Duszynski (vocals/guitar), Shaldon Miller (keyboard/vocals), Matt Schuessier
(bass) and Adam Kaltenhauser (drums). The release of this debut album marks
the culmination of much hard work. It also marks an incredibly exciting phase
of the band's career, with the Chicago foursome recently signing a recording
contract with Onehaven that will deliver not only this debut offering, but also
a second full-length album (hoped to be completed and ready for release by
late-2007 or early-2008). The album was largely produced by the group
themselves, without the often restrictive involvement of a major record label,
leaving us with a refreshingly pure, untarnished final product (the production
and quality of the recording, it must be noted, is exceptional...credit must go
to the recording company on that point).
The natural
ease with which the themes and music are developed is impressive. There is
nothing complicated or crowded about the instrumentals (limited to drums, keys,
guitar and bass- and even these are used only sparingly), and while Duszynski
is able to step-up his vocal delivery to carry a song (as exemplified by the
wonderful "Goodbye to Each New Day", where he really lets rip), he
rarely goes beyond gently, subdued tones.
Despite the seemingly 'sparse'
elements of the music, there is no suggesting of the sound delivered lacking
anything essential. Increasing the tempo a little—as the band does on various
tracks, and in order to build energy and momentum across a song—certainly
doesn't hurt, but This is Me Smiling sets itself apart as much for what
it doesn't show us.
It is the unspoken, underplay that draws you in. It is
more than a mere suggestion, though the skill and adaptability of the band is
there for all to see when the album is viewed as a whole, yet the
uncomplicated style and underutilized elements of the group's sound add a new
dimension to the music. You know what the band can do when they really want to,
and the musical self-restrain is
captivating, highlighting their most impressive skills when they are used, and heightening
the impact upon the listener.
"Goodbye
to Each New Day" is an angst-riddled musical gem, with a fullness and
energy unmatched (others come mighty close) across the album. The track builds beautifully; beginning with soft, sensitive vocals, shifting to the energetic, powerful "woahs" that punctuate the middle of the track, and culminating with a brilliant, emotive finale. With moody guitar
riffs and the tearing edginess of Duszynski's vocals, melody and vocals
perfectly compliment the group's characteristically flawless lyrics. This is
music to suck you in, and spit you back out again, but it is one hell of a
ride!
The opening
track of the album, in any other context, would be startlingly out of place.
Produced as a short, instrumental piece (with minor vocal work only intruding
in the final quarter of the track), "Ephemera" epitomises everything
that is endearing about This is Me Smiling; the subtlety of sound, storytelling
lyrics, simplicity of style and arrangement. Once again, there is the ever
present hint of something great and wonderful lurking behind the music, just
waiting for the right moment to burst forth and wreak havoc.
"Prettier"
and "Say what you're gonna say" are similarly strong tracks, again
playing to the groups considerable musical strengths. "A better way to
fall in love" (featuring guest female vocals, which fail to mould with the
group's sound in quite the same manner as Duszyneki and Miller) is another standout, with Duszyenki delivering edgier, grittier vocals to compliment the strong guitar and drum combinations.
The sound
delivered on This is Me Smiling will not be everyone's 'cup of tea'. In
fact, the subtlety of the music and diminutive tempo of many of the tracks may
leave many listeners wondering what all the fuss is about. While the album will
not jump out and grab you like some music can, listeners should not be deterred
by this.
This is Me Smiling is a risky, ambitious debut in
many ways, yet remains accessible enough to achieve widespread mainstream
appeal. Brooding and murky in parts, the music is fresh and pure, delivering a
refreshing musical package. It needs to be listened to closely and more than
once. If you put in the effort with this album, you will reap the considerable
rewards!
This is Me Smiling is available March, 2007.
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